Austrian Retail Association challenges national parcel tax at EU Commission

The Austrian Retail Association (Handelsverband) has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against a national parcel tax that went into effect on October 1. The tax, which can amount to up to 2.40 euros per package, primarily impacts cross-border e-commerce deliveries.

The association argues that the levy violates fundamental EU principles, specifically the free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services. According to Rainer Will, Managing Director of the association, the tax acts as a barrier to market access, discourages investment, and hinders innovation by making shipping more expensive.

The Retail Association has characterized the policy as a significant economic error, claiming the federal government ignored previous impact analyses and warnings regarding potential collateral damage to the economy. The complaint seeks for the Commission to investigate the regulation and potentially initiate infringement proceedings to ensure compliance with the European Single Market rules.